Sextant to Spacetime
A clear path from practical navigation to the geometry of spacetime.
A concise, carefully argued book by R.S. Phillips—bridging real-world measurement and modern physics with a calm, precise voice.
What the book is
From observation to structure.
Sextant to Spacetime develops an intuitive through-line: how disciplined measurement leads naturally to geometry—and how geometry shapes the way we describe spacetime. The aim is readability without oversimplification, with enough rigor to be useful to technically minded readers.
Inside the book
Three themes, one narrative.
Navigation
Why reference frames, instruments, and error matter—and what they teach us about physical description.
Geometry
How spatial structure emerges from constraints, symmetries, and consistent encoding of measurement.
Spacetime
How geometric thinking connects to modern spacetime concepts—carefully, step by step.
Working notes
Clear definitions, diagrams, and checkpoints designed for rereading and reference.